Frequently asked questions about ASML

What is ASML?

ASML is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. It’s a common misconception that we make chips, also called microchips or integrated circuits (ICs), but we actually design and manufacture the lithography machines that are an essential component in chip manufacturing. Our customers are companies such as Intel, who use our machines in ‘fabs’ – microchip manufacturing plants – to create microchips that are eventually used in many electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops and much more.

What does ASML stand for?

ASML isn’t an abbreviation of anything anymore, though it does have its roots as one. In 1984, when ASML was founded as a joint venture between Philips and ASM International, the name ‘Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography’ was chosen and used as ‘ASM Lithography’ to reflect the partners in the joint venture. Over time, this name has become simply ‘ASML’.

How many employees does ASML have?

There are over 24,700 ASML employees on payroll and flexible contracts, spread across offices in more than 60 cities in 16 countries. The company’s headquarters, located in in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, comprises nearly half of all employees – over 13,000 people work there.

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